" Spending the afternoon in Trastevere "

► The street sign: sandwiched between a monument and a fountain.

I don't remember anything significant about our short trip to Trastevere.
Even though, I've been reading rave reviews about it, the other side of the Tiber river doesn't seem appealing.
Perhaps the timing wasn't right or we didn't stay long enough to appreciate it.

[ and so the other day,
As I was looking back at my notes, checking old scribbles,
I can't seem to find my travel journal anywhere, I rummaged all my stash already, wherever did it go?!
Note to self: Must do spring cleaning immediately.]


Here's my Trastevere handy map, thanks to Rick Steve, I got me-self a handy print out

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What I did remember though, was that after our visit to the Vatican *St. Peter's Basilica*.
We stopped by a local cafeteria, had a quick lunch and both of us drank a liter of Sparkling Water !
We shouldn't have, but:
We were so lazy to bring the bottle with us,
and it would be such a waste to leave it behind.

* hehe, not a really a smart idea to go tipid *


Had lunch at this small cafeteria, the food was mediocre, but the price range was affordable ,
overlooking the Vatican from afar, not bad eh?!


the very long and winding road of Via della Lungara

* Well, as soon as we started walking, it only took minutes before we started to feel
our bloated bellies from too much water.
How we wish we hadn't had too much to drink at that time. *tsk,tsk*
We were meandering in circles, even caught a dead end, but still couldn't find the loo.
and finally, an *Osteria* near the Museum was kind enough to let us in..


Thankfully,the owner of this resto bar was kind enough to let us use their restroom without a fee. ^0^

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► We saw young crowds hanging about at the center of The Piazza Trilussa ,
within hearing distance from The Tiber river or Tevere River.
During summer, The Piazza is packed with people.





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At Via di Ponte Sisto, you'll find lots of local restos like this Osteria.
When it comes to food: Trastevere is known for its fresh Artichokes -
like Carciofi all Giudia- *Fried Artichokes* and Carciofi alla romana.





what a cute green vintage Fiat !
I want one!
okay, cute isn't exactly the right adjective for it. ^-^




and around the Tiber is San Bartolomeo all'Isola , where the Basilica di San Bartolomeo all'Isola is located.
more info here
Such a pity that among all the churches I've mentioned here,
I haven't got the chance to see any of its interiors and I'm a sheer fan of domes and frescoes.






The exterior of Basilica di San Bartolomeo all'Isola

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Forgive me for exaggerating, but Rome has got to have the most Churches I've ever seen,
I'm pretty sure you're bound to bump into one.

► This is yet another church which is the Chiesa di San Giovanni de la Malva
More info here



And the Piazza di San Giovanni de la Malva


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Spotted along Trastevere, look at all these vines!





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A look at the narrow alleyways and cul-de-sacs of this neighborhood.
Maybe we arrived just as the sun was about to set,
because there were only a few people.





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Another interesting church to look for is the Santa Maria della Scala
More info here.





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and the reason why you visit the Trastevere area is because of :
► Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere + The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere







We only manage to get a glimpse of it as the skies were getting dark then,
and I would've like to visit it again if only we weren't pressed for time.

Santa Maria in Trastevere =
was probably the first christian place of worship in Rome that was founded by Pope Callixtus I.
Here's more info about it .



* a must-see inside is the Apse mosaic of the Coronation of the Virgin,
where the details are covered in gilded tiles*

Images I got from google

It is not everyday that I got the chance to see a bird as fleetingly beautiful as this.
I wish we have healthier birds here. ^-^



. hanging clothes and red bricked walls .


The reason why I took this foto:
"Made in Rome" vintage car + a holy niche and a parked bike



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and last but not the least, just some random shot.

The legendary wooden Pinocchio and this tourist, who seemed so absorb with his phone.



[ Many churches close around midday for a few hours, and some establishments are closed on Mondays.

Getting there: It is walkable from the city centre, but if walking takes too long,
You can take tram number #8 to Viale Trastevere ]

Linked to: "Serendipity is sweet"

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" Rome Under 10 € euros "

I was reading the holiday issue of the The Traveller Magazine (from Easy Jet) the other day,
and stumbled upon this interesting article about the perfect 10 Rome.
Already, there are a multitude of things to do in this historical city,
but where to start exploring may seem a bit daunting.


here's my view of Top 10 things to do in Rome for just under 10 € !

1: STROLL - the best way to explore any city is by walking. ^0^
the vast Circus Maximus which is now a public park is located at the back of Roman Forum,
a few steps off the Colosseum.
The Circus was once the setting for the epic movie BEN-HUR.



2: DRINK - a few fountains maybe found on the streets but if you do find one,
all you need is an empty bottle and you're ready to go!
Perfectly Drinkable! ^0^ ( background: Pantheon, see that small fountain on the front? )




3: CHILL - there's nothing more famous in Rome than Roman Holiday's Spanish Steps.
take some cool poses here and there,
Be seen and do some people watching.





4: TREAT - Be it summer or winter,
It is a MUST try ~ the delectable, cloying and melt in your mouth Gelato.



It is located in every nook and cranny.
Verdict ~ Heavenly !! ^0^
Giolitti is considered to be one of the oldest in the hood btw.



5: REMEMBER - simmer every moment while you're there.
take a pause, choose any quaint cafe and sip a cup of Cappuccino ( order it during morning! )
or a cup of warm Decaf.




6: MARVEL - at the narrow alleyways of Trastevere, considered to be the old Rome,
OR the awe-inspiring Piazza Navona and gape at the Bernini's Masterpiece.
choose, choose...



TRASTEVERE



PIAZZA NAVONA


7: ROMANTIC - walk hand in hand along Ponte Sant'Angelo overlooking the Vatican or the long stretch of Lungotevere.
at night, the view's just Magical ~





8: DARE - put your hand inside La Boca della Verita beside Cosmedin Church.
Patience is a virtue though,
the queue is time consuming, but worth the wait though,
at least it's free. ^-^





9: LUCK - toss a coin into the Trevi fountain, because legend has it that you're destined to return someday.



10: TOUR - nothing beats the beauty of Rome than taking a quick tour to the Colosseum,
again, more long lines for tourists and more elbowing for a better view.
but the impressive exterior would suffice your thirst for a bit of history.